Abducted ICRC worker scores military offensives

MANILA, Philippines – Andreas Notter, one of the three abducted Red Cross workers in southern Philippines, has expressed dismay over what he perceived as the government’s failure to negotiate for their release. In a radio interview on Tuesday, Notter admitted that the situation was becoming difficult for him and his fellow hostages, Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba, as a result of the military offensives launched to free them. Interviewed by Arlyn dela Cruz over radio dzEC, Notter said he could not understand why the government would rather resort to military operations than enter into a negotiation with the kidnappers. "It's very difficult to understand why it's taking the government so long to at least stop military operations until the negotiation can start," he said. Notter said the military operations had forced their abductors to be always on the move. He said lack of sleep had been causing them physical and psychological torment. "It's physically and psychological very difficult for us at the moment," he said. "We are under much pressure. The group is constantly under alert so therefore we have to be constantly under alert as well. We only have a few hours to sleep." Armed men abducted Notter, Vagni, and Lacaba last Jan. 15 while the three were on their way to the Sulu airport after inspecting a water sanitation project in Jolo. The suspects turned out to be Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Albader Parad. During the interview, Notter, who was from Switzerland, said he was worried about the health of Vagni and Lacaba, who he said were nursing illnesses. "I’m sure you know about their age as well, so it has to be taken into account as well, and this is very difficult. Some have to take medicine from time to time," he said. Notter added that following the Abu Sayyaf encounter with military forces Monday last week they had lost communications with their families and the International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC). Asked when was the last time he was able to communicate with them, Notter said: "More than one week ago." The ICRC refused to comment until it could confirm that it was Notter who was indeed interviewed. - GMANews.TV